New Canaan Mounted Troop, Inc. (NCMT) a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization

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What Is New Canaan Mounted Troop? NCMT Mission Statement How Is NCMT Different From Other Programs? How Much Does It Cost? What Kind Of Horses Does NCMT Have? What Are NCMT's Facilities? What Other Activities Does NCMT Offer? Can Parents Get Involved? Is Special Attire Required At NCMT? What Programs Are Offered At NCMT? What is New Canaan Mounted Troop? New Canaan Mounted Troop (NCMT) is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization devoted to building leadership, responsibility, and confidence through sound horsemanship. Founded in 1939 by noted horsewoman, author, and educator, Margaret Cabell Self, NCMT remains the last unit of the Junior Cavalry of America. To learn more about Margaret Cabell Self, click here. The Cadet Program at NCMT not only offers extensive instruction for every rider's ability -- beginner to advanced, young riders through adults -- we also believe that instruction and practice in stable management and safety plus the complete care of horse and tack are just as important as riding. Educational lectures and demonstrations are an integral part of the program, and our extensive hands-on curriculum is not offered by any other riding school in the area. Back to Top Our Mission Statement: New Canaan Mounted Troop, Inc. (NCMT) is devoted to building leadership, responsibility and confidence in youth. It provides a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience that emphasizes teamwork and follows a curriculum focused on horsemanship and equine care instruction. All activities are conducted in a family atmosphere that encourages participation in community service, a feature rooted in the history of the organization. Back to Top How is New Canaan Mounted Troop different from other riding programs? Troops's warmth and structure help develop team spirit, good sportsmanship, independent thinking, responsibility, and a fit, happy sense of well-being. The older children (officers) help the younger ones (cadets) learn all the basic skills -- from sweeping an aisle to stirring up bran mash -- under professional adult supervision. Awards are given to Troops and Troopers who have shown the best sportsmanship, effort, improvement and Troop spirit -- qualities as important as keeping one's heels down and head up. Back to Top How much does it cost? Rates vary according to membership level. A membership application and a complete rate sheet (including lessons, boarding, leasing, etc.) are available in the membership packet. Back to Top What kinds of horses are at New Canaan Mounted Troop? NCMT takes great pride in its fine collection of horses that run from the quietest beginner school horse and pony to horses that can be seen winning at A-rated shows. Because New Canaan Mounted Troop is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization, we can accept horses and ponies on full- or use-donation. Full donations are tax-deductible. Horse Donation Information Back to Top What facilities does NCMT offer? NCMT debuted its newly built barn and indoor ring in October 2009. The new facility is completely equipped with 30 box stalls, indoor riding ring with a visitors' gallery, tack room, indoor wash stalls, large outdoor riding ring, picnic facilities, and spectator gazebo. Located on 13.316 acres in the heart of beautiful New Canaan, Connecticut. Back to Top What other activities does New Canaan Mounted Troop offer to children? Activities of the Cadet Program run far beyond the weekly lessons and work program in the barn, such as: Parade drills and mounted drills Four AHSA-recognized horse shows on site Schooling shows and gymkhanas (games on horseback) Stable management lecture series Off-site horse shows (local and recognized) Field trips "Horseless" horse shows Trooper Nights "Troop Scoop" newsletter Back to Top Can parents get involved? Parents are strongly encouraged to participate in the program -- in stable maintenance, administration and yes, even riding (day and evening adult classes for beginners through advanced riders are offered!) Since New Canaan Mounted Troop is a non-profit organization, we rely strongly on adult volunteers for help. Back to Top Is any special attire required? A Troop uniform has been established to encourage neatness and Troop spirit, and to equip children from different economic backgrounds. All Troopers are required to wear beige breeches, tall black boots (or beige jodhpurs and brown paddock boots for children under 11), and a light blue or white buttoned-down oxford shirt (navy sweater or Troop sweatshirt in winter -- Troop T-shirt in summer.) Troop uniform jackets are assigned and worn in the Memorial Day parade, schooling shows, review ceremonies, and other ceremonial parades. A hard hat with chin strap is required at all times when mounted. Back to Top Programs Offered at New Canaan Mounted Troop Horsemanship Program - Ages 7-18 (includes riding lessons and Equine Care Program) Equine Care Program (does not include riding lessons) Summer Camp Off-site horse shows (local and recognized) Field trips Adult Riding Boarding and Leasing - available on a limited basis For further information, including how to join NCMT, please contact Michelle Schmerzler or Lisa Tomaselli, at 203 966-0634. Back to Top